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Optical Express has grown to become one of Europe’s leading providers of laser eye surgery. It operates over 200 clinics, of which 100 are specifically designated laser consultation clinics and 54 are laser treatment clinics.
With locations throughout the UK, Holland, Germany, Ireland, France and Croatia, Optical Express has carried out over one million laser eye surgery procedures worldwide. What’s more, over 99% of patients would recommend Optical Express to their friends and family.
Pros: Value for money, caring surgeons, 128 UK clinics, latest technology, dedicated aftercare
Cons: No fixed prices (talk to them for a quote)
☝ Compare clinics: See if there are any other top-rated clinics near you, and use our simple tool to receive a personalised quote.
- Optical Express Laser Eye Surgery Review
- Prices
- Treatments
- The Verdict
- Surgeon Reviews
- 1,806 Patient Reviews
1. Optical Express Laser Eye Surgery Review
I’m very happy with my laser treatment. There’s nothing to worry about – there’s no pain, and I would recommend it to anybody. The aftercare at Optical Express is also very good. I just wish i had done it years ago. – Philip Lavelle
Optical Express uses world leading technology, and their laser platform – the VISX S4IR – delivers safe, accurate and precise results. Fun fact: Optical Express is the only vision correction provider to invest in the iFS150 intraLASE in each of its clinics – the same technology that led to NASA backing laser eye surgery for astronauts in 2007.
Over 99% of Optical Express patients achieved 20/20 vision or better following treatment, according to a study carried out in June 2017.
With over 25 years’ experience in eye care, Optical Express boasts excellent surgical outcomes, and has invested £400 million in technology to offer advanced methods for vision correction.
Optical Express has 128 clinics in the UK alone – far more than any other eye surgery provider. Its locations include London, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dublin, with many more situated in all corners of the country.
Here is how nearly 2,000 real customers rate Optical Express for its clinic, cost, treatments and surgeons:
| Optical Express Rating Overall | Clinic Rating | Cost Rating | Surgeon Rating | Treatments Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (4.6 out of 5) | (4.5 out of 5) | (4.8 out of 5) | (4.5 out of 5) | (4.7 out of 5) |
CQC Rating: Good
- Treating people with respect and involving them in their care
- Providing care, treatment and support that meets people’s needs
- Caring for people’s safely and protecting them from harm
- Staffing
- Quality and suitability of management
2. Optical Express Laser Eye Surgery Cost
True, it was an expensive operation, but I spent £500 a year on contact lenses and optician appointments – I see it as an investment! – Dave Reyner
(4.8 out of 5)
Laser eye surgery at Optical Express costs from just £595, or from £1,995 for lens replacement surgery. Of course, these prices depend on the treatment you choose, as well as your prescription, so you’ll want to pop in for a free consultation to get a tailored quote.
Optical Express is one of the cheapest laser eye surgery clinics in the UK. Its prices are well below average, compared to over 70 leading eye clinics and hospitals nationwide.
There are also a range of pay monthly finance options, so you can benefit from eye surgery for less than £50 a month – and it’s 0% finance for 10 month contracts.
Are there any hidden costs? No, the consultation is free, and you even get free eye tests worth £800. The only downside is not having fixed prices like at Optegra and Optimax, but at least the costs are lower at the end of the day.
Here are the prices of some of Optical Express’ popular lens and laser surgery options:
| Eye Surgery Procedure | Price (per eye) | Finance Options (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| LASEK | From £595 | £49.50 (10 months on 0% APR, £100 deposit) |
| LASIK | From £1,195 | £42.02 (for 18 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| LASEK (with iDesign) | From £1,495 | £41.69 (for 24 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| LASIK (with iDesign) | From £1,495 | £46.35 (for 24 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| Monofocal lens surgery | From £1,995 | £48.89 (for 36 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| Multifocal lens surgery | From £3,195 | £47.39 (for 72 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| Phakic IOL | From £3,395 | £47.39 (for 72 months on 11.5% APR, £500 deposit) |
| YAG | From £595 | N/A |
☛ Want a tailored quote? The only way to compare exact quotes is to see an eye expert for a check-up. These can cost up to £250, but with our simple tool, you can find out how much laser or lens surgery will cost you at Optical Express for free.
3. Laser Eye Surgery Treatments
Fantastic! I am so pleased I has the treatment – playing sports is so much easier! All the staff were very helpful, reassuring, and happy answering my questions. I’ll definitely be recommending Optical Express to everyone, their service is excellent! – Stephanie Yeadon
(4.7 out of 5)
Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery is a simple procedure that can correct your vision in a matter of minutes. Optical Express offers the most popular types: LASIK and LASEK (if you are not suitable for the surgical LASIK).
In both treatments, a cool beam advanced laser reshapes the cornea (the surface of your eye). Optical Express uses a technology called iDesign, which is based on Wavefront technology and takes thousands of eye measurements to produce the best results.
Lens Replacement
Optical Express has 20 years’ experience in lens replacement surgery. This surgery is a popular treatment for people with long distance vision, short distance vision, and even cataracts.
An eye consultant can help you decide which surgery best suits your needs:
- Refractive lens exchange (RLE) – This surgery replaces the natural lens with a synthetic intraocular lens (IOL) implant.
- Phakic IOL – This type of IOL is an alternative to laser eye surgery for patients with strong prescriptions.
- YAG laser treatment – YAG laser capsulotomy is a non-invasive procedure used to treat refractive former lens exchange patients whose vision starts to fade over the years.
Cataract Surgery
Optical Express performs the highest number of cataract surgeries – after the NHS, according to its website.
Cataracts are small, blurry patches on your eyes, giving you cloudy vision. Cataract surgery involves removing your damaged lens, and replacing it with a premium synthetic one for sharper near and distance vision.
Aftercare
Optical Express custom-fits its aftercare plan to every patient. This plan includes any medication that will aid the healing process, optometrist-led follow-up appointments, and an out-of-hours medical helpline.
Patients receive 12 months’ continued care as standard, and Optical Express recommends annual examinations to maintain your eye health.
Safety Record
All surgical procedures carry a degree of risk. However, laser eye surgery has an impressive success rate, and is the most popular elective surgery in the world.
99.2% of patients achieved at least 20|20 vision following surgery at Optical Express, based on a study of 190,231 Optical Express patients with the most common prescriptions. That’s why this eye clinic promises 20|20 vision or your money back.
Just be aware that the risks increase the more complicated the surgery. Optical Express will provide a screening service to check whether you are suitable for surgical treatment.
4. The Verdict
I can highly recommend Optical Express. They are very professional, and the procedure was pain free. The best thing now is I can see very well without glasses – and it was only done 3 weeks ago. – Elaine Gibson
(4.6 out of 5)
Optical Express is the best voted place for laser and lens replacement surgery, based on nearly 9,000 independent reviews on Lasik Eyes since 2002. With hard-to-beat prices, leading technology, and fully qualified surgeons, this clinic tops the list of best laser eye surgery clinics in the UK, as well as taking the crown for:
- Best eye surgery in London
- Best eye surgery in Scotland
- Best eye surgery in Manchester
- Best eye surgery in Bristol
But is it right for you? The only way to find out is to see if you’re eligible for 20/20 vision or your money back, and to get a tailored quote. That’s why we make it easy to pop in for a free consultation, have free eye tests (worth £800), and talk through your options with an eye expert.
Next steps: Our simple tool helps thousands of readers a day get one step closer to 20/20 sight:
- Find the top clinic in seconds: Answer three questions to be matched with the leading eye clinic in your area
- Check you’re eligible in minutes: Receive a quick call to check you can get surgery (we don’t share your number with anyone else)
- Book a free consultation: Talk to an expert at a clinic you can trust for a free eye test (worth £800) and personalised quote (with no obligation)
☛ Click here to find the best clinic near you, and receive a tailored quote.
Our Testimonials
1,553 reviews written between 2002 and 2021. Sorted by newest first.
Treatments are as each reviewer wrote them. Reviews that don't mention laser or lens surgery only show under All treatments.
No reviews match these filters.
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I had my treatment at the Optical Express store in Milton Keynes on Tuesday 6th December 2011. The reason I had to have LASEK rather than LASIK is because I have had 2 ulcers on my right eye and 1 on my left and they have left scarring. My vision before the op was -2.25 and -2.5 and it is now 20/20
Everyone was really friendly and kind, they didn’t put any pressure on me to have the surgery and answered all of my questions. No question was too silly and I felt like I was the only person they had to see that day.
The surgey itself lasted roughly 3 minutes per eye. I had a quick check over by the surgeon to make sure nothing had changed with my eyes since my consultation, when he agreed I was good to go I sat in the waiting room for about 5-10 mintues and was called through.
The nurse took my glasses for me and told me to lie down, she made sure I was comfortable before anything else.
The surgeon talked me through everything he was doing so I wasn’t startled in anyway. First of all he out some drops in my eyes to numb them and then used a clamp to hold my eye open, I didn’t feel the clamp at all but I could see it just out the corner of my eye. He then placed some more drops in my eyes and rubbed a swab over them (again I did not feel anything but I could see the swab)
I was then asked to focus on the red dot and heard a clicking noise whichwas the machine doing its stuff. My vision went blurry for about a minute and then the surgeon put cold water in my eye and some more drops and moved onto the next eye. I really didn’t feel anything other than the excess from the cold water and the drops as they ran down the side of my face.I saw a difference straight away as the nurse explained to me how the different drops worked and when to use them, I was also given a pair of goggles to wear to bed for the 1st week to stop me rubbing my eyes in my sleep.
About 15-20 minutes later the drops started to wear off and my eyes started to water (as I was told they would) When I got home I went to bed for the rest of the evening/night. I then returned to the clinic the following morning for my first check up and they said everything looked good.I had booked the rest of the week off work so was at home for the recovery. I would highly recommend not going to work for a few days.
Now I will be honest, the 3 days that followed were rather unpleasent. My eyes felt like I had shampoo in them and stung constantly. I was very, very sensitive to light, I couldn’t even look at my mobile as it was so bright. I spent those 3 days in bed and in the dark. On the Thursday night I was in so much pain that I had to use the drops that are kept in the fridge. (It is recommended that you only use these as a last resort as they slow down the healing but they do numb your eyes almost instantly, so use them if you are in pain, thats what they are for)
I remember one evening that my husband and I had to eat dinner in the dark with only the TV for light and I even had to have my back to the TV with my sunglasses on.Please don’t let what you’ve just read put you off because I woke up Saturday and all the pain/stinging sensations were completely gone. I was still sensitive to the light but no where near as much as before.
I had my four day check up on the Sunday and had my protective contact lenses removed. After this I was able to drive and my eyes were feeling much better.
I had another check up the following Sunday and they were very pleased with my vision.
I’ve just had my month check up and I could read every line they asked me to. I’ve got another appointment booked for my 3 month check.
I cannot believe how amazing it is! I only wish I had it done sooner (and I’m only 26). I know it seems like alot of money but personally I think its worth every penny! All of the staff were so friendly and helpful, they treated me like a complete individual and I felt as though I was the only person that mattered.
Watch out for the ‘phantom glasses’ I keep trying to push mine up but then remember they aren’t there lol
I still used the moisterising drops occassionally, but I work at a computer all day and many of the other people in the office who have never worn glasses before use drops too so its nothing unusal.
I would recommend laser eye surgery to anyone! Plus shopping for sunglasses was great! (The women in ‘The Sunglasses Hut’ in Milton Keynes were wonderfully helpful!)
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So pleased with the consultation, the surgery and the aftercare. It is fantastic not to wear glasses, the surgery itself took only a few minutes and the team were very supportive throughout, brilliant!!!!!
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The staff at Optical Express were really kind and all very knowledgable (most having had the surgery!) I was a bit nervous during the surgery but all the technicians told me exactly what was going on so I felt reassured. I could see literally straight away but I did as I was told for the rest of the day and went to sleep for a couple of hours..then I tried not to focus on anything for the rest of the day, the next day I woke and and was reading absolutely everything, clear as a bell!! i now have better than 20/20! I took all my drops as prescribed and had no bad side affects..I’m still taking the moisture drops occasionally as I work on a computer all day and they sometimes get a bit dry, but its AMAZING, I’m SO pleased I had it done, and would recommend it to everyone! The website is good too as you can read about your surgeon before hand ..and see how much practice they’ve had ;) it really helped put my mind at rest! And I have monthly check ups; very efficient! – Its worth every penny!
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I am very happy with my surgery. The procedure was very stress free with no pain. My eye was uncomfortable for about a week afterwards and was then back to normal. Vision is great now and no need for glasses! Email me with any questions
Kirsty
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The surgeon and all the technicians were so friendly and really put me at ease..I was very nervous! But I had no reason to be; it was all over so quickly! and I could literally see straight away, although I tried to keep my eyes shut for the rest of the evening. I woke the next day with perfect vision.I had no bad side affects other than a few days of dry eyes (after I stopped taking the steroid drops). But they are fine now, I wish I had had the surgery ages ago! – I’m so happy with my treatment and the after care is great. I would recommend laser surgery to everyone. Especially with the discount vouchers they offer; £150.00 off surgery on the refer a friend scheme. Although surgery can be a bit expensive, it is definitely worth every penny!